The late Mr David Chapman
Fondly remembered by Ruth, Mrs C and all who worked with him
David has held a trainers license for over 40 years. He has trained hundreds of winners – nobody seems to know the exact amount. He was the first trainer to turn horses out and lunge them as part of their day to day training routine - a method that is now used by many trainers including Dandy Nicholls who was Stable Jockey to the yard in the 1980's. David has trained that have been household names. These include Soba 13 wins, Glencroft 17, Chaplins Club 24, No Submission 23, Tempering 22, Takhlid 20, Soaked 19, Redoubtable 21, Sharp Hat 24, Paddywack 21, and Quito 20. These 11 horses have won more than 200 races between them! David will continue to be fully involved in the day to day running of the yard and on hand to give his valued opinion. He will also continue to attend the sales on the look out to purchase another Quito! David is seen here being given a friendly nip by Redoubtable. Redoubtable is now standing as a stallion at End House Stud and is also wowing the judges in the show ring. To see photos of him in action in his new career click here.
Mrs Marion Chapman
Job Title – Racing Yard Co-ordinator
Marion keeps us all on our toes with helpful reminders of declaration deadlines, transport organisation and vets visits. Plus never ending help with daily tasks such as book keeping and entries including evening stable duties when all the staff are away racing! Also enjoys receiving the winners trophies!
Miss Melanie Westwick
Job Title - Stable Lass
Mel has been at Mowbray House Farm since 1998! Although she doesn't ride out she is an important member of the team and assures that all the yard duties are carried out smoothly. She also accompanies the horses to race meetings. Her horses always look immaculate and she often wins best turned out awards. Mel's other responsibilities include making sure the right tack and owners colours go to the races with the right horses!
Update:- Autumn 2011. Mel and partner Gary are the proud parents of a lovely (very well behaved!) baby girl - Isabelle so Mel is currently on maternity leave.
Ben Howe
Job Title – Stable Lad
Ben has joined the yard straight from school after 2 weeks work experience and then a trip to the Northern Racing College to gain his NVQ1 in Racehorse Care and Management. Ben is now working towards his NVQ 2 and hopes to become an amatuer jockey! Ben is pictured on the left at the races, schooling at the Northern Racing College, leading his first winner in "Dubai Dynamo" and receiving his Newcomers Award from Frankie.
Ben has now completed his NVQ 2 and has been nominated by Ruth for the Newcomer Award at the National Stable and Stud Staff Awards. (January 2011)
Ben won the David Nicholson Newcomer Award at the 2011 Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
Update:- Autumn 2011. Ben has now got his Amatuer Riders License and has had two thirds from 5 rides.
Tory Todd
Job Title – Stable Lass
The always smiling Tory joined us during the busy 2010 summer months. Her duties include riding out and accompaning horses to the races.
Update Autumn 2011:- Whilst Mel has been on maternity leave Tory has taken over the task of sorting the racing tack and colours!
Mr Richard Clark
Job Title – Farrier
Rich is Ruth's brother and has been a qualified farrier for 5 years. He had a handful of rides as an amateur on the flat, winning on Sharp Hat twice. He has also ridden 10 Point to Point winners. He rode Quito on his second run for us and finished 4th! Rich is lead singer in local band The Zooms click here to hear and see him in action.
Mr Edmund Collins
Job Title – Vet
Edmund and his team do most of our veterinary work including castrating the colts and specialising on horses with breathing problems. Edmunds facilities can be seen at Station House Vets.
Mr Roger Carr
Job Title – Husband
Rog is new to the Horse Racing industry but is a dab hand on a digger! He has his own Plant Hire business constructing gallops, arenas, lunge pits, shed bases, farm tracks and roads, digging ponds and ditches. Click here to find out more. He is learning to ride when time allows but more importantly has learnt to muck out really quickly!
Pippy the Yorkshire Terrier
Job Title – Pest Control Manager!
Pippy is usually found two strides behind Ruth either looking very cute or wet and dirty if it's been raining. Her main job is to look cute, but she can also catch a mouse or two when necessary!